2026 Marquette Alumni National Awards: Honoring the recipients

Leading by example

Marquette's Alumni National Awards annually recognize distinguished alumni, parents
and friends who represent the university's true spirit and mission. This year, recipients
of the All-University Awards will be celebrated on Friday, May 29, and awards from five of Marquette's colleges and affinity groups will be presented in separate ceremonies. (The remaining colleges and affinity groups will present awards in 2027.) Here, we introduce you to this year's All-University Award recipients.

Alumni of the Year Award

Kimberly West Eck, Comm '13 and Robert J. Eck, Arts '80
Chenequa, Wisconsin

Some experiences reveal their full impact only over time. For Kimberly West Eck and Robert Eck, Marquette University is one of them. Bob discovered early that leadership is rooted in respect and mentorship, which became an ethos that shaped his global business career (including 10 years as CEO of Anixter International), board service and philanthropy. Kim's Marquette journey was interrupted by illness, but returning decades later to finish her degree gave her a deep appreciation for the power of empathy and perseverance. The Ecks have continued to live Marquette's mission, often in ways they only fully recognize in retrospect.

Professional Achievement Award

Ambassador John Rakolta, Jr., Eng '70
Detroit, Michigan

John Rakolta, Jr., believes leadership requires stepping into difficult situations when outcomes matter. Shaped by Jesuit formation at Marquette, he has consistently intervened across business, civic life, diplomacy and culture to face risks and address complex challenges. From leading Walbridge, one of America's largest privately held construction companies, to serving as U.S. ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, his career reflects a conviction that values, integrity and responsibility demand action, not distance.

Service Award

Kristina Arriaga de Bucholz, Arts '86
Alexandria, Virginia

For Kristina Arriaga de Bucholz, service means showing up - across borders and belief systems and in moments of personal risk. As a communicator and advocate, she has stepped into high-stakes situations to defend liberties that are due everyone: free speech, religious freedom and the rights of women and girls. In past roles such as vice chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom and currently as CEO of Intrinsic Communications, Arriaga de Bucholz is guided by conviction rather than comfort. She uses her voice and influence to serve the values of justice, courage and service that took shape during her years at Marquette.

Spirit of Marquette Award (achievement before age 40)

Dr. Timothy M. Kummer, Nurs '07
Minneapolis, Minnesota

"When you pray, move your feet." This African proverb has shaped Dr. Tim Kummer's life and service. As an emergency physician, EMS system medical director and advocate for systems-level change, Kummer has consistently stepped toward suffering and responded with dignity rather than judgment. His commitment took root at Marquette, where a formative service experience in Kenya clarified his purpose and led him to a career in medicine and a lifelong commitment to service. Today, his work spans efforts to address the opioid crisis, prevent gun violence and build emergency medical services in Tanzania. His guiding principle is simple: Meet people where they are.